Job Description

Senior Grants and Advocacy Officer

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Requisition Number: 1327

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Salary Range: $102,167.42 - $110,382.66 per annum

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Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

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Location: Council Chambers, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns

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Application Close Date: Wednesday, 30th September 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

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Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for public policy, government relations and securing funding opportunities that make a real difference?

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We're seeking a highly motivated Senior Grants and Advocacy Officer to play a pivotal role in shaping Council's advocacy agenda and maximising grant funding opportunities that support our community's future.

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What we're looking for:

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- Tertiary qualifications in Government Relations, Project Management, Communication, Business Management, or relevant senior-level experience.
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- Demonstrated project management skills in corporate or government settings.
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- Understanding of Government grant/subsidy programs and associated key requirements.
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- Track record in preparing high-quality policy submissions and grant/subsidy applications.
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- Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice to senior management and stakeholders.
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- Attention to detail, organisational skills, and capability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
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- Demonstrated skills in organisation, time management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and relationship management, particularly with senior stakeholders.
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What you'll be doing:

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- Coordinate Council's incoming grant application process in accordance with the Grants Policy and associated procedures.
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- Monitor and communicate information on external grant funding opportunities to relevant Council officers.
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- Analyse emerging policy issues at State and Federal Government levels to inform Council's strategic advocacy priorities.
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- Contribute to the development of evidence-based policy submissions, briefing notes, and reports for Council's advocacy priorities.
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- Stay informed about economic trends that may impact political decisions at State and Federal Government levels, advising senior stakeholders accordingly.
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- Manage Council's process for project selection in grant applications, considering alignment with eligibility requirements, assessment criteria, and budgetary constraints.
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- Coordinate stakeholder support and evidence, including securing letters of support from local members of Parliament and relevant organisations.
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- Facilitate debriefs with government representatives for all grant/subsidy programs to understand reasons for success/failure and identify areas for improvement.
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Some advantages we offer:

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- Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
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- Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
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- Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
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- Up to 3 weeks personal leave
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- Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
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- Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
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- Salary sacrifice opportunities
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- Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.
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We are committed to:

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- Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
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- Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
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- Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support
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For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

📌 Senior Grants and Advocacy Officer (Cairns Regional)
🏢 Cairns Regional Council
📍 Cairns Regional